Analysis of the Spatiotemporal Connotations of "Opening，Closing，and Pivot" in the Three Yin and Three Yang Theory of the Inner Canon of Yellow Emperor （《黄帝内经》）
10.13288/j.11-2166/r.2026.17.002
- VernacularTitle:《黄帝内经》三阴三阳开阖枢理论的时空内涵
- Author:
Ranran WANG
1
;
Shucheng JIANG
1
;
Yalin JIAO
1
;
Juan HE
1
Author Information
1. Beijing University of Chinese Medicine，Beijing，100029
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
three yin and three yang;
opening， closing， and pivot;
Inner Canon of Yellow Emperor （《黄帝内经》）;
channels;
five circuits and six qi
- From:
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine
2026;67(17):1816-1820
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Based on the different medical systems and textual contexts within Inner Canon of Yellow Emperor （《黄帝内经》）， this paper argues that "opening， closing， and pivot" in the three yin and three yang theory encompasses both spatial and temporal dimensions. From the spatial perspective， the concepts of opening， closing and pivot are used to describe the dynamic movement of qi within the meridian system. In The Spiritual Pivot·Root and Knot （《灵枢·根结》）， the theory primarily explains the superficial-deep and exterior-interior hierarchy of the meridians， emphasizing the movement of channel qi and the transmission of disease. By contrast， Basic Questions·Treatise on the Separation and Union of Yin and Yang （《素问·阴阳离合论篇》） primarily explains the relationships of separation and union between yin and yang among different regions and orientations on the same body-surface level. From the temporal perspective， the theory also explains the waxing and waning of yin and yang according to seasonal changes throughout the year， and has been applied to clinical practice within the theory of the five circuits and six qi. Therefore， opening， closing， and pivot in the three yin and three yang theory encompasses multiple connotations， including meridian structure， spatial distribution， seasonal qi transformation， and the annual circulation of climatic qi. Clarifying these different levels and their respective scopes of application is essential for accurately understanding the rich connotations of the opening， closing and pivot theory.
